Condensing apparatus



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CONDENSTNG APPARATUS Filed Aug. 22S .1929

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Patented Feb. 17, 1931 UNITED STATES u cuiuip PATENT OFFICE RAYMOND PIERSON MOORE, OF KENMORE, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO INGERSOLL-RAND COMPANY, F JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY CONDENSING APPARATUS Application filed August 22, 1929. Serial No. 387,644.

This invention relates to condensers, but more particularly to a condensing system comprising a main condenser, condensate heaters and suitable pumping apparatus for removing the condensate from the condenser and also the drip from the condensate heater.

One object of the invention is to enable a pump of comparatively low capacity and which is normally used for pumping the heater drip to the condensate to also serve as a means for removing the condensate from the condenser during such times when the condenser is operating under low load conditions.

Another object is to prevent erosion on the pumping mechanisms by constantly maintaining suitable discharge pressures thereon.

Still another object is to automatically communicate the drip pump with the hot well of the condenser whenever the condensate )ump is rendered inoperative.

Otlier objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The figure in the drawing is a diagrammatic elevation partly in section of a condensing apparatus constructed in accordance with the practice of the invention.

Referring more particularly to the drawing embodying the invention, A designates a condenser having a condensate outlet B which is connected to a hotwell C by a are D- The hotwell C in turn is provided with an outlet E through which the condensate may flow through a. condensate pipe F connected to a condensate pump G whereby the condensate is normally removed from the hotwell C. The pump G is provided with a suitable discharge pipe H leading in this instance to a drip heater J into which the condensate is discharged for the purpose of increasing the temperature thereof prior to its return to the steam generating devices (not shown).

In the present instance a. second drip heati er K, substantially similar in all respects to the heater J is disposed adjacent thereof and also connected thereto by means of a pipe L which, in effect, is a continuation of the discharge pipe H.

The drip heaters J and K may be of a well known type comprising casings O` enclosing suitable coils P which may be connected to receive steam from a source of supply (not shown). For convenience of illustration the connections between the coils P and the steam supply are omitted but it is to be understood that these connections may lead from different points of the steam supply, as for instance, a steam turbine so that the pressure in the drip heater K and consequently also the temperature of the steam may be somewhat higher than that in the coil P ot the drip heater J.

In transferring the heat of the steam flowing through the coils P to the condensate in the heaters J and K, the steam utilized for this purpose is of course condensed and Hows downwardly through the coils, that of the drip heater J flowing directly into a drip receiver Q and that of the drip heater K flowing first into a trap R to which its coil P is connected.

The trap R interposed between the coil P of the drip heater K and the drip receiver Q may be of a well known type comprising a casing S divided into two chambers T and U by an intermediate wall WV. The wall W has a port X and a valve Y controls said port, the valve Y being connected to a lever Z mounted at one end on a pivot Z) and carrying at its other end a float c.

The means whereby the valve Y is actuated, such as the lever Z and its iioat c, are disposed in the chamber T, this being the chamber into which the drip from the heater K enters the casing S. By interposing the trap R between the drip heaterK and the drip receiver Q equalization of pressures in the coils P of the drip heaters J and K will be prevented. The arrangement is such that whenever a suliicient quantity of drip or condensate accumulates in the chamber T, the float c will open the Valve Y to permit a portion of the drip to pass into the receiver Q. Preferably the coil P of the drip heater K is connected to the casing S near the bottom of the chamber T to prevent the direct flow Ofsteam through the port X during the time the valve Y is opened. The condensate or drip in the chamber T thus serves in a measure to seal the outlet opening of the coil P of the drip heater K during the time that condensate passes from the chamber T to the chamber U.

Connected to the bottom of the drip receiver Q is a pipe d for conveying condensate from the drip receiver Q into a drip pump e adapted to pump the contents of the drip receiver Q to the heater K through a discharge pipe f connected in this instance at its outlet end to the pipe L. At this point the drip will intermingle with the condensate iiowing from the drip heater J to the drip heater K. This is a desirable arrangement for the reason that the drip thus recovered from the heaters J and K may be of a temperature somewhat in excess of that of the condensate issuing from the drip heater J.

Means are provided to afford communication between the hotwell C and the drip pump e so that whenever conditions permit of the condensate pump G being rendered inoperative, condensate may be pumped from the hotwell C by the drip pump e. To this end a pipe g is connected at one end to the pipe F and at its other end to the pipe d. During the normal operation of both pumps however, it is desirable that communication between the' drip pump e and the hotwell be prevented. To this end a check valve h is disposed in the pipe g and in such manner that it will be normally held closed by a pressure acting on the drip pump side of said check valve.

In order to assure a preponderating pressure on the drip pump side of the valve h the discharge pipe f is provided with a control valve j of the rotary type having a port c therein adapted to afford communication between the sections of the discharge pipe f connected to opposite sides of the control valve j. The control valve j has a lever o to which is pivotally connected a rod p extending with its other end into the drip receiver Q and carrying at that end a pin q which may extend on opposite sides of the rod p. The ends of the pin g are adapted to engage a slot 1' of a bell crank s pivoted to a guard t disposed in the drip receiver Q.

To the opposite arm of the bell crank s is connected a rod u which carries at its free end a ball oat lv. rIhe guard t is provided with suitable openings w to permit the entrance of the condensate from the drip receiver Q into the guard so that the level of the condensate therein will be the same as that in the drip receiver. The entire arrangement is such that as the level of the condensate within the drip receiver Q fluctuates the movement of the oat uy will be transmitted to the control valve y'. In this way, under normal operating conditions, a suitable quantity of condensate may be maintained in the drip receiver and the pipe d to assure a preponderating pressure on the drip pump side of the check valve h for preventing the flow of condensate from the hotwell C into the pipe d.

In order to prevent a return flow of liquid into the pumps G and e the discharge pipes H and f are provided with check valves w and y respectively, and said valves are preferably disposed in the pipe lines at points adjacent the discharge openings of the pumps.

The discharge pipe H is also provided with means for assuring a suitable discharge pressure on the outlet opening of the condensate pump G. The means utilized for this purpose consist of a valve mechanism designated generally by z and comprising a casing 2 interposed in the discharge pipe H and having a port 3 therein adapted to be controlled by a valve et. Seated on the casing 2 is a bracket 5 which serves as a guide for a valve stem 6 projecting through the bracket and carrying a plate 7 against which acts a spring 8 seated with its other end on the bottom of the bracket 5 and which tends to open the valve. The free end of the valve stem 6 is suitably connected to a diaphragm 9 which lies on the outer end of the bracket 5 and has its outer edge clamped thereto by a cover 10 secured tothe bracket 5. The cover 10 may be of the hooded type to form a pressure chamber 11 therein for the reception of pressure fluid adapted to act against the diaphragm 9 for closing the valve 4.

Suitable means are provided for introducing pressure tiuid into the pressure chamber 11 in accordance with the fluctuation in the amount of condensate present in the hotwell C. To this end a guard 12 is disposed in the hotwell C and said guard is provided with openings 13 to permit condensate to flow thereinto. v

Vithin the guard 12 is pivoted a bell crank 14: carrying a float 15 on one arm and having at its other end a fork 16 for engagement with a pin 17 carried by a rod 18 which extends through the side of the hotwell C. To the other end of the rod 18 may be affixed a pilot valve 19 of any suitable type adapted to control the admission of and the exhaust of pressure iuid to and from the pressure chamber 11 through a pipe 20 leading from the pilot valve and attached at its other end to the cover 10 of the valve mechanism z. The steam utilized for this purpose may be conveyed to the pilot valve from a source of supply (not shown) through a connection 21, and an exhaust pipe 2Q is shown .secured to the pilot valve 19 in such position that it may be placed in communication ,with the pipe 20 by the pilot valve for exhausting the pressure fluid in the pressure chamber 11 to the atmosphere.

Means similar to the valve mechanism z are provided for controlling the discharge of the drip pump e upon closure of the control valve To this end the discharge pipes f' and H are connected by a conduit 23 wherein is disposed a valve mechanism 24 substantialn ly similar in all respects to the valve mechan ism a, with the exception that the spring 25 of the valve mechanism 24 Will yield to a considerably lower pressure than is required to overcome the pressure exerted by the spring ti of the valve mechanism e. The conduit Q3 is connected to the discharge pipe at a point between the check valve g/ and the control valve j and to the discharge pipe H preferably at a point between the check valve a@ and the valve mechanism a.

To the end that pressure fluid may be supplied to the valve mechanism Q4 by the same devices utilized for controlling the valve mechanism 2, the valve mechanism 2l is provided with a pipe 26 which is preferably connected to the pipe 20 leading from the pilot valve 19 to the valve mechanism a.

The operation of the apparatus described is as follows: lVith the apparatus. as for instance, a turbine or engine to which the condensing apparatus may be applied, operating under full load conditions the condensate resulting from the steam flowing through the condenser A will flow through the connection D to the hotwell C from whence it is removed by the condensate pump G and conveyed to the drip heater J. From the drip heater J the condensate passes through the pipe L to the drip heater K and thence to the apparatus adapted to be supplied therewith. At the same time steam from the turbine will flow through the coils P of the heaters J and K for reheating the condensate flowing through the heaters.

Obviously the steam thus utilized will be condensed by thc condensate surro'umling the coils and the drip or condensate formed in the coils P will then flow into the drip receiver Q, that from the heater J will flow directly into the drip receiver and the condensate from the drip heater K will first flow into the chamber T of the trap R and after a certain amount of condensate accumulates therein. the float c, being buoyant, will unseat the valve Y to permit the condensate to flow from the chamber T into and through the chamber U and into the drip receiver Q.

By suitably proportioning the drip receiver Q a suliicient quantity of condensate may be maintained therein to assure a greater pressure on the drip pump side of the check valve h than the pressure of the condensate acting on the opposite side thereof. In consequence the check valve it will remain closed so that there will be no communication between the hotwell C and the drip pump e.

When the level of the condensate in the drip reveiver Q. falls below the lowermost limiting position of the float the float will rotate the control valve j to the closed position. Conversely, when the condensate accumulates in the drip receiver Q the float o will rise and will then open the control valve j to permit the discharge of condensate from the drip receiver through the pipe f into the pipe L.

lVhenever the float o lies in substantially an intermediate position, an outlet of sufficient area will be assured through the control valve y' to maintain this desired intermediate position of the float in which there will be sufficient condensate maintained in the drip receiver Q to assure a greater pressure on the drip pump e side of the check valve /L then that acting on the opposite side of the check valve.

During this yoperation of the apparatus, which may be said to be the normal operation thereof, the condensate in the hotwell'C will be kept at a sufficiently low level by the condensate pump G to assure a position of the float 15 and therefore of the pilot valve 19 in which pressure fluid Will be admitted to the pressure chambers 11 of the valve mechanisms .e and 24, it being of course, understood that the pump Gr has capacity to maintain the condensate in the hot Well C at a low level when the condenser A is operating under full load conditions. Inasmuch as the spring 25 of the valve mechanism 24 yields to a lower pressure than the spring 8 of the valve mechanism a, the valve et of the valve mechanism 2% will then be held tightly closed, as for example, by all pressures in excess of one-half the maximum pressure required for closing the valve 4 of the valve mechanism z. As will be apparent therefore, all direct communication between the discharge pipes H and at points other than the outlet opening of the pipe will be shut off, and any pressure supplied to the valve mechanisms during this closed period of the valve mechanism 24 may only act to control the valve l of the valve mechanism .z to maintain a suitable discharge pressure on the condensate pump G.

The pressures in the pressure chamber 11 of the Valve mechanism a may then fluctuate in accordance with the fluctuations in the level of the condensate in the hotwell C. In other words, if the condensate in the hotwell C reaches a low level the oat 15 will be lowered accordingly to actuate the pilot valve 19 for admitting a greater amount of pressure fluid into the pressure chamber 11 of the valve mechanism a.

At an extremely low level of the condensate in the hotwell the float 15 will drop accordingly and the pilot valve 19 will approach its maximum opening so that a large supply of pressure fluid will be admitted to the pressure chamber' 11 of the valve mechanism s to move the valve 1 thereof toward its seat or to close it. In this way a full discharge head on the condensate pump G will be assured thus preventing undue cavitation and the churning of Water in the pump as would otherwise be the case were the pump operating at less than a full discharge head, and which as is Well known, causes rapid Wear of the pump impeller. On the other hand, as the condensate level in the hotwell C rises, the pilot valve will be actuated to reduce the pressure acting against the diaphragm 9 of the valve mechanism s so that the valve 4 of said mechanism may be opened to Wider limits to assure an adequate outlet for the condensate pumped by the pump G.

This is substantially the mode of operation of the apparatus during the time the condenser A is operating under full load conditions. When so operating the pumps G and e may both be operating at substantially full capacities. The pump G will then be removing the condensate from the hotwell C and the pump e will serve to remove the condensate flowing from the drip heaters J and K. In this connection it is pointed out that, as is customary, the capacity of the drip pump e is somewhat below that of the pump G since as Will be readily understood, a greater amount of steam is condensed by the main condenser A than by the drip heaters J and K.

In practice, it happens not infrefpiently that the load on the condenser A is decreased very materially. As a matter of fact the load may be and frequently is reduced to such a degree that the condensate then liowing into the hotwell C will be of a quantity considerably below that required to enable the condensate pump ir to operate at anything approaching maximum capacity. Under these conditions it may be quite possible for thc drip pump c tov pump both the condensate from the hotwell C and also the drip from the drip heaters J and K.

During such times the condensate pump G may be stopped in any suitable manner, as for instance, by stopping its prime mover, (not shown). lVith the pump G at rest the condensate will accumulate in the hotwell C and rise to a point where it will raise the float 15 and actuate the pilot valve 19 to a position to first cut. olf the steam supply to the valve mechanism 24 and immediately thereafter, as the fioat continues to rise, the chamber ll,of saidniechanism will be placed in communication with the atniosphere by thc pilot valve. The spring 25 of the valve nicchanisln 24 will then act to open the valve 4 of' said mechanism to communicate the discharge piirc y with the discharge pipe H.

By opening the valve l of the valve mechanism 2l fluid will flow from the drip pump through both the discharge pipes and H. Due to this fact, a decided drop in the discharge pressure of the drip pump c will occur so that the drip receiver Q may be quickly evacuated` thus allowin; r the vlioat itherein to drop to its lowermost position to effect the closure of the control valve y'. From this point on the fluid discharged by the pump e will flow only through the conduit 23 into and through the discharge pipe H to the drip heaters.

By evacuating the drip receiver Q the pressure on the drip pum p side of the check valve 7L will of course e greatly reduced. In fact the various elements intended to normally maintain the preponderating pressure on this side of the check valve may be so arranged that when the condensate in the receiver Q reaches a certain predetermined level, the pressure of the condensate in the hotwell will prevail over the drip pressure so that the check valve /L may open to also place the drip pump in communication with the hotwell. Thereafter the drip pump c may serve to remove both the condensate from the hotwell and that from the drip heaters as long as the load on the condensing apparatus does not exceed the capacity of the drip pump e.

During the time that the condenser is operating at sufficiently low load so that it is possible to utilize the drip pump e for removing the condensate from both the heaters and the hotwell, the condensate in the hotwell Will `generally accumulate to a high level since then the drip pump is required to remove the normal output of the drip heaters as well as the condensate formed from the reduced quantity of steam flowing through the condenser. When operating under these conditions the float will then be raised and the pilot valve 19 will occupy a position to maintain the chambers 1l of the valve mechanisms 24 and .a in communication with the atmosphere. However, during such operation, fluctuations in the quantity of the condensate in the hotwcll C will also take place and, inasmuch as the position of the float 15 will then also constantly vary with the level of the condensate. the pilot valve 19 will shift its position to control the pressure acting on the valve lnechanislns Q-'l and e.

At extremely low loads on the condenser it is possible that the condensate in the hotwell (l will reach a low level so that the float 15 will drop to its lowermost limiting position. When this condition occurs the pilot valve 1S) will then occupy a position in which the full supply of pressure fluid, such as steam, may be admitted to the valve mechanisms .a and 24. Upon the admission of steam into the chamber 1l of the valve mechanism 2 the valve l will be closed, and With the float 'n in the drip receiver Q, in its lowermost limiting position the control valve j Will of course also be closed. Fluid will then accumulate in the drip receiver Q until the float e therein is again raised sufciently to open the control valve y'.

In the new position of the float e there will then be sufficient fluid on the drip pump side of the valve L to maintain said valve closed and condensate will thereafter accumulate in the hotwell C. In this way the float l5 is again raised to actuate the pilot valve 19 for cutting off the supply of pressure fluid to the valve mechanisms 24: and z and upon continued movement of the pilot valve 19 in the same direction, to open the valve mechanisms z and 24 to the atmosphere.

After the exhaust of the pressure fluid from the chambers 1l of the valve mechanisms 24 and thc` spring 25 of the valve mechanism 2l will again open the valve Ll to permit the passage of fluid from the exhaust pipe 7' to the exhaust pipe H and thus to the drip heaters J and K.

As will be observed, only the limiting positions of the various valve mechanisms have been described. It will, however, be obvious to those skilled in the art that the valves together with their actuating device, such as the floats, may occupy intermediate positions, in which case, of course, the openings controlled by the valves will be somewhat restricted. The i'low of the Huid through the various channels provided for the purpose will then be decreased or increased accordingly, all with the view of at all times maintaining a. substantial discharge head on the pumping apparatuses and to assure the most efficient operation of these devices as well as to maintain the expense of operation at a minimum.

I claim:

1. A condensing system, comprising a condenser having a hotwell, a condensate heater connected to receive steam from a source of supply to heat the condensate, a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe leading to the heater, a drip pump connected to remove drip from the heater and having a. discharge pipe for delivering drip to the condensate in the heater, a connection between the hotwell and the intake opening of the drip pump, pressure responsive means in the connection adapted to afford communication between the drip pump and the hotwell, and means for normally assuring a preponderance of pressure on the drip pump side of said means.

2. A condensing system, comprising a condenser having a hotwell, a condensate heater connected to receive steam from a source of supply to heat the condensate, a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe leading to the heater, a. drip pump connected to the heater and havlng a discharge pipe for delivering the drip to the condensate in the heater, a connection between the hotwell and the intake opening of the drip pump, a check valve in the connection to control communication between the drip pump and the hotwell, and a drip receiver between the heater and the drip pump to normally assure a preponderating pressure on the drip pump side of the check valve for maintaining said check valve closed during the simultaneous operation of both pumps.

3. A condenser system, comprising a condenser having a hotwell, a condensate heater connected to receive steam from `a source of supply to heat the condensate, a condensate.

pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe leading to the heater, a drip pump connected to the heater and having a discharge pipe for delivering the drip to the condensate in the heater, a connection between the hotwell and the intake opening of the drip pump, a check valve in the connection to control communication between the hotwell and the drip pump, a drip receiver between the heater and the drip pump, flow cont-rolling means in the discharge pipe of the drip pump, and means in the drip receiver controlled by the level of the drip therein and connected to actuate the low controlling means for maintaining a constant level in the receiver and thus assuring a preponderating pressure on the drip pump side of the check valve during the simultaneous operation of both pumps.

4. A condenser system, comprising a condenser having a hotwell, a condensate heater connected to receive steam from a source of supply for heating the condensate, a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a. discharge pipe leading to the heater, means to prevent a return How through the discharge pipe into the pump, a drip pump connected to the heater and having a discharge pipe for delivering drip to the condensate in the heater, a connection between the hotwell and the drip pump having a check valve therein, a drip receiver between the heater and the drip pump having a float pivoted therein, a control valve in the discharge pipe of the drip pump connected to be actuated by the float for maintaining a constant level in the receiver to normally assure a preponderating pressure on the drip pump side of the check valve and adapted to be closed by the ioat when the contents in the receiver reach a low level, a conduit connecting the discharge pipes, a pressure actuated valve in the conduit normally maintained closed and adapted to be opened by the drip pump discharge pressure upon closure of the control valve, thereby reducing the preponderating pressure on the check valve to place the drip pump in communication with the hotwell, and means controlled by the condensate in the hotwell for admitting and exhausting pressure Huid to and from the pressure actuated valve.

5. A condenser system, comprising a condenser having a hotwell, a condensate heater connected to receive steam from a source of supply for heating the condensate, a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe leading to the heater, a drip pump connected to the heater and hav ing a discharge pipe for delivermgldrip' to the condensate in the heat-er, ya connection between the hotwell and the intake opening of the drip pump, a check valve therein adapted to communicate the drip pump with the hotwell during the idle period of the condensate pump, a control valve in the drip pump discharge pipe, means for automatically controlling said valve, a conduit connecting the discharge pipes, pressure actuated means associated with the conduit to control the first said means for closing the control valve, a pilot valve connected to control the admission and exhaust of pressure fluid to and from the pressure actuated means. and means actuated by the condensate in the hotwcll for automatically manipulating the pilot valve whereby when the condensate reaches a high level in the hotwell the pilot valve will be actuated into a` position to release the pressure from the pressure actuated means to permit closing of the control valve and to place the discharge pipes in communication with each other.

6. A condenser system, comprising a condenser having a hotwell. a condensate heater connected to receive steam from a source of supply for heating the condensate, a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe leading to the heater. a drip pump connected to the heater and having a discharge pipe for delivering drip to the condensate in the heater, a connection between the hotwell and the intake opening of the drip pump, a check valve in the connection, a drip receiver between the heater and the drip pump, flow controlling means in the drip discharge pipe, a float in the drip receiver connected to actuate the How controlling means for normally maintaining a constant level of drip in the receiver to assure a preponderating pressure on the drip pump side of the check valve, a conduit connecting the discharge pipes, a pressure actuated valve in the conduit and connected with a source of pressure supply whereby said valveis normally held closed, a pilot` valve for controlling the admission and exhaust of pressure fluid to and from the pressure actuated valve, a float movable with the condensate in the hotwell and adapted to open the pilot valve for exhausting pressure fluid from the pressure actuated valve when the condensate in the hotwell reaches a high level, thereby lowering the level of the drip in the rcceiver, thus enabling the float therein to close the How controlling means and reduce the pressure on the drip pump side ot the check valve to enable the drip pump to pump both condensate from the hotwell and drip from the receiver.

7. In a condenser system. the combination of a condenser and a hotwell therefor, a condensate heater connected to receive steam from a source of supply for heating the condensate, a condensate pipe leading from the hotwell to the heater, a condensate pump interposed in the pipe, a drip pipe leading from the heater to the condensate pipe and having a drip receiver interposed therein, a

drip pump in the drip pipe, a connection between the inlet openings of the pumps and having a check valve interposed therein to prevent the flow of condensate from the drip pump to the condensate pump, a control valve in the drip pipe normally controlling the level of the drip content in the drip receiver, means for automatically closing the control valve upon evacuation of the drip receiver, a conduit connecting the condensate and drip pipes, a pressure responsive valve in the conduit adapted to be maintained closed at a low pressure, a pressure responsive valve in the condensate pipe adapted to be actuated by pressure of higher value for controlling the discharge pressure of the condensate pump, a pilot valve for controlling the pressure responsive valves, and a loat associated with the pilot valve and movable with the condensate in the hotwell to control the pressure responsive valves, whereby when the condensate pump is rendered inoperative the condensate accumulating in the hotwell will raise the float to actuate the pilot valve into a position to release the pressure fluid from the pressure responsive valve in the conduit,

thus enabling said valve to communicate the discharge pipes with each other for reducing the discharge pressure of the drip pump and to enable the check valve to open.

8. A condenser system, comprising a condenser having a hotwell, a condensate heater connected to receive steam from a source of supply for heating the condensate, a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe leading to the heater, a drip pump connected to the heater and having a discharge pipe for delivering drip to the condensate in the heater. a connection between the hotwell and the drip pump having a check valve therein, a drip receiver between the heater and the drip pump having a loat pivoted therein, a control valve in the discharge pipe of the drip pump connected to be actuated by the i'loat for maintaining a constant level in the receiver to normally assure a preponderating pressure on the drip pump side of the check valve and adapted to be closed by the float when the contents in the receiver reach a low level, a conduit connccting the discharge pipes, a spring pressed valve in the conduit normally maintained closed and adapted to be opened by the drip pump discharge pressure upon closure of the control valve. thereby reducing the preponderating pressure on the check valve to place the drip pump in communication with the hotwell. and means tor controlling the spring pressed valve.

9. A condenser system. comprising a condenser having a hotwell, a condensate heater connected to receive steam from a source of supply for heating the condensate, a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe leading to the heater,

a drip pumpconneeted to the heater and having a discharge pipe Jfor delivering drip to the condensate in the heater` a connection between the hotvvell and the drip pump having a check valve therein, a drip receiver between the heater and the drip pump having a fioat pivoted therein, a control valve in the discharge pipe of the drip pump connected to be actuated by the float for maintaining a constant level in the receiver to normally as sure a preponderating pressure on the drlp pump side of the check alve and adapted to be closed by the float when the contents in the receiver' reach a low level, a conduit connecting the discharge pipes, a spring pressed valve in the conduit normally maintained closed and adapted to be opened by the drip pump discharge pressure upon closure ot the control valve, thereby reducing the preponderating pressure on the check valve to place the drip pump in communication with the hotwell, and means for automatically controlling the spring pressed valve.

10. A condenser system, comprising a condenser having a hotwell, a. condensate heater connected to receive steam from a source of supply for heating the condensate, a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe leading to the .heater, a drip pump connected to the heater and having a discharge pipe for delivering drip to the condensate in the heater, a connection between the hotwell and the drip pump having a check valve therein, a drip receiver between the heater and the drip pump having a float pivoted therein, a control valve in the discharge pipe of the drip pump connected to be actuated by the float for maintaining` a constant level in the receiver to normally assure a preponderating pressure on the drip pump side of the check valve and adapted to be closed by the float when the contents in the receiver reach a low level, a conduit connecting the discharge pipes, a spring pressed valve in the conduit normally maintained closed and adapted to be opened `by the drip pump discharge pressure upon closure of the control valve, thereby reducing the preponderating pressure on the check valve to place the drip pump in communication With the hotWell, and means controlled by the condensate in the hotwell for controlling the spring pressed valve.

1l. In a condenser system, the combination of a condenser and a hotivell therefor, a condensate heater connected to receive steam from a source of supply for heating the condensate. a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe leading to the heater, a drip pump connected to the heater and having a discharge pipe for delivering the drip to the condensate in the heater, a conduit connecting the discharge pipes, means for closing the drip pump discharge pipe intermediate the conduit and the heater, spring pressed valves in the conduit and the condensate pump discharge pipe for controlling the discharge pressure of the pumps, and means for controlling the valves.

l2. In a condenser' system, the combination of a condenser and a hotwell therefor, a condensate heater connected to receive steam from a source of supply for heating the condensate, a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe leading to the heater, a drip pump connected to the heater and having a discharge pipe .t'or delivering the drip to the condensate in the heater, a conduit connecting the discharge pipes, means for closing the drip pump discharge pipe intermediate the conduit and the heater, spring pressed valves in the conduit and the condensate pump discharge pipe for controlling the discharge pressure of the pumps, and means for automatically controlling the said valves.

13. In a condenser system, the combination ot a condenser and a hotwell therefor, a condensate heater connected to receive steam from a source of supply for heating the condensate, a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe leading to the heater, a drip pump connected to the heater and having a discharge pipe for delivering vthe drip to the condensate in the heater, a conduit connecting the discharge pipes, means for closing the drip pump discharge pipe intermediate the conduit and the heater, spring pressed valves in the conduit and the condensate pump discharge pipe for controlling the discharge pressure ot the pumps, and means controlled b v the condensate in the hotwcll for controlling the said valves.

14. A condensing system, comprising a condenser having a hotwell, a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe, a spring pressed valve in the discharge pipe for controlling the discharge pressure of the pump, and means for controlling the said valve.

15. A condensing system, comprising a condenser having a hotWell. a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe, a. spring pressed valve in the discharge pipe for controlling the discharge pressure ot' the pump, and means for automatically controlling the said valve.

1G. A condensing system, comprising a condenser having a hotwell. a condensate pump connected to the hotwell and having a discharge pipe. a spring pressed valve in the discharge pipe for controlling the discharge pressure of the pump, and means controlled b v the condensate in the hotwell for controlling` the said valve.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification.

RAYMOND PIERSON MOORE. 

